FADC Class Descriptions
Students are placed in class levels by FADC instructors based on age, number of years of past dance training, ability and mental and physical readiness
Creative Movement
Come with us on this unique and magical journey of movement as the introduction of basic ballet technique is used with emphasis on self expression and creativity while having fun. This whimsical class incorporates princess props and thematic themes to enhance a wonderful introduction to the world of dance.
Pre-Ballet
This series of classes is designed for the young child as an introduction to the exciting elements of ballet. Time will be spent exploring the fundamentals of dance technique, including locomotor skills, flexibility, balance and use of simple ballet movements. As the dancers progress through the series, use of partners, more complex movement patterns and simple ballet barre work are included. These classes are designed to be a preparation for our classical ballet program.
Classical Ballet Program
Introductory Levels
Beginning Ballet
This class is designed for young dancers coming out of the Pre-Ballet classes or dancers with an interest in ballet but with little or no experience. This class focuses on the fundamentals of classical ballet in a careful and slow progression. Time is spent developing general body awareness, flexibility, dancer alignment and basic ballet terminology. Use of the ballet barre, center work and floor progressions are included.
Teen Ballet
This class is desinged for teen dancers interested in pursuing ballet training but who have had little or no experience in classical dance. The class content moves through a structured ballet syllabus with a focus on developing general body awareness, flexibility, dancer alignment and ballet terminology. Use of the ballet barre, center work and floor progressions are included.
Elementary Levels
Ballet I and Ballet II
The elementary levels of the classical ballet program meet twice a week and have a strong focus on proper ballet technique. Physical discipline, body awareness, flexibility, dancer alignment and expanded ballet terminology will be addressed. Time will be spent on the use of the ballet barre, center work and floor progressions. A focus will be placed on the use of arms, foot positions, use of turnout and the performance aspects of classical ballet. Understanding the relationship between music, rhythm and controlled movement will be introduced.
Middle Levels
Ballet III, Ballet IV and Ballet V
The middle levels of the classical ballet program are designed for the serious dance student and meet varied times per week based on level. More complex elements of proper ballet technique are explored and refined. Longer movement sequences of more complex ballet vocabulary are added at each level. Movement sequences may include the use of traveling, jumps and turns. A focus on proper classroom etiquette and self-discipline is stressed in these classes. Ballet IV and V dancers have pre-pointe or pointe added to their classes.
Advanced Levels
Ballet VI and VII
The advanced levels of the classical ballet program are the highest levels of ballet offered at FADC. There is a focus on the refinement and clarity of the dancers' proper ballet technique, as well as the development of the dancers as artists. There will be time spent on barre, center and traveling sequences, as well as pointe work.
Adult Classes
These classes are designed for adult dancers to begin or continue their classical ballet training. Physical discipline, body awareness, flexibility, dancer alignment and ballet terminology will be addressed. Time will be spent on the use of the ballet barre, center work and floor progressions. A focus will be placed on the use of arms, foot positions, use of turnout and the performance aspects of classical ballet. Understanding the relationship between music, rhythm and controlled movement will be included.
Movement Matters
These classes are designed for the young child as an introduction to many of the concepts of dance, as well as multiple dance styles, including tap and jazz. These classes are a wonderful way for the young child to exprience many forms of dance and become acquainted with the fomat of a dance class. Class time will be spent to establish body awareness, muscle development, flexibility, coordination and basic locomotor skills. This class focuses on exploration of dance concepts (i.e., use of space, levels, shapes, directional pathways, rhythms, etc.) and will help to develop each dancer's creativity and problem solving skills. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, encouraging camaraderie, cooperation and a positive self image.
Pre-Ballet/Tap/Jazz Combination
This class is designed for young dancers as an introduction to and exploration of the skills required for ballet, tap and jazz dance forms.
Lyrical
These classes are designed to be a combination between ballet, jazz and modern. Time will be spent on technique, movement quality, style and emotion. A focus will be placed on musicality, expression of mood and the use of lyrics in the music. For full benefit of our lyrical classes, it is highly recommended that the dancer take ballet technique classes as well.
Yoga Groove
Yoga Groove encourages children to explore and discover the mind and body in a fun-filled way! It is a fun, creative approach to yoga that can be very helpful for children whose bodies are still developing. The use of animated poses, dance, and basic stretching exercises promote strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness. Breathing and visualization techniques teach kids how to focus, relax and develop self-control. Improved concentration and focus, stimulates imagination and help to release energy in a fun, safe environment are only some of the benefits. Using interactive games and animated postures, kids learn about animals, nature and basic anatomy through yoga. Yoga Groove also promotes inner-strength, confidence and self-esteem; a feeling of well-being and respect for others; and, love for one's self, inside and out. Come play Yoga!
Jazz
The jazz classes are designed in a progression for dancers to explore and develop jazz technique. The lower levels are an introduction to basic jazz technique, focusing on fundamental jazz positions, turns, jumps and leaps. Time will be spent on center and locomotor progressions as well as proper stretching techniques to enhance strength and flexibility. As dancers progress through the higher levels of our jazz classes, more time is spent on conditioning for core strength, elements of balance, proper dancer alignment and use of rhythm and musicality.
Tap
The tap classes are designed to provide the dancers with a strong tap foundation, using timing, rhythm and percussion footwork. Time will be spent working on motor skills and coordination, developing precise tap sounds, and synchronization. Tap dancing is our American folk dance.
Irish Step
The Irish Step classes are offered in a series to learn the basics of soft-shoe reels and light jigs. Hard shoe is introduced after basic reels and light jigs are mastered. Irish traditional music is used to accompany the classes to enable the use of musicality and intricacies of Irish dance rhythms.
Hip-Hop
The Hip-Hop classes are built around the tradition and history of street dance. Hip-Hop is characterized by its athletic and bouncy style. It is set to a strong, contemporary beat, builds stamina, and emphasizes body isolations, attitude, coordination, free-style movement and rhythm. Time will be spent on strength building, flexibility and creativity. As dancers reach higher levels of our Hip-Hop classes, more complex combinations and movement sequences will be included.
Dance Crew
This class is a multi-level class and is intended to be the highest level of our Hip-Hop class series. It is intended for the dedicated dancer. Elements of break dancing will be included at this level.
B Boys
This is a multi-level class which introduces the fundamentals of break dancing and basic footwork with the emphasis on endurance, core balance, strengthening and flexibility. The dancers will enhance and add skill to physical sports while building confidence in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Tumbling
This multi-age class is designed to introduce and explore various elements of tumbling. Time will be spent on strength building and cardiovascular activities to support tumbling skills.
Competitive Performance Ensembles
Jazz Ensemble, Hip-Hop Junior Competition and 2Fly Crew
These performance ensembles are designed to supplement our technique classes. Dancers are involved by audition or special invitation. Time will be spent learning choreography, refining performance skills and group building skills. Each perfomance ensembles has a yearly goal of performances around Martin and St. Lucie Counties as well as attending competitions.
Contemporary/Modern Ballet
This class is a combination of different forms of dance, incorporating technique work from classical ballet and influences from modern dance. This class will explore the various contemporary dance techniques as well as interpretive skills while improving stretch and versatility of each dancer.